If you’ve been left feeling inspired by our Olympians heroics in the velodrome this summer why not book yourself in for a taster session at the Manchester velodrome. Louise Hudson, Sportsister’s editor, did exactly that.
Anyone who watched either the Olympics or the Paralympics earlier this year can’t have failed to notice Team GB’s dominance in the velodrome, and that the girls were winning their fair share of the medal haul too.
As a regular cyclist on the streets of London and an occasional mountain biker I found myself thinking it would be good to give the velodrome a go. So I signed up for a taster session in Manchester, the world’s busiest velodrome.
If you have never ridden a track bike before it will take you a little bit of time to get used to one. They are fundamentally very simple bikes as they have no brakes and no gears, but obviously this throws up all kinds of complications for novice riders.
It is essential that you keep pedalling at all times when moving, otherwise the bike will jolt you and it will feel like you are heading over the handlebars. While this sounds quite frightening it isn’t and you soon get used to keeping your feet constantly moving round.
As no one else on the track will have brakes either, and there are no obstructions such as cars or traffic lights, you don’t really need them - or so I was assured! In order to stop, you slow down gradually by putting pressure on your back pedal, and while you can’t actually pedal backwards, this force slows you down enough to steady yourself on the inside rail.
And the final thing to get used to is the fact that your shoes are clipped into your pedals, something that will be normal if you mountain bike or cycle seriously. But for a novice, this too can take a little while to feel comfortable with, as it means you can’t put your feet down when you stop; but it is safer and easier than it first sounds.
After a couple of practice laps going round on the flat pine boards I was starting to feel more comfortable with my new bike. Bob Barber the velodrome’s manager assured me I was ready to start riding on the curved sides of the track. Manchester’s 250m track has 42.5° bankings and you start off by riding on the appropriately named Cote d’Azur - the turquoise coloured band nearest the bottom.
Once comfortable I was encouraged to increase my speed and move up to the black line trying to ride as near to it as I could. This is when the adrenaline rush really started to kick in as even though you are not high it does not immediately feel natural to be riding on such a slope.
As I cycled round my head was filled with thoughts - don’t stop pedalling, look ahead and don’t look down the slope, if I fall I can’t put my feet down to break my fall! But much to my amazement I didn’t fall and nor did anyone else in my group.
As my confidence grew, along with my speed, I progressed further up the bankings to the red and eventually the blue line.
It was a real adrenaline rush climbing up the bank higher and higher, and while my arms were shaking when I finished I had to agree with Bob that it actually is easier the higher you ride on the bank.
We did a series of rides, usually between five and ten laps at a time. Everyone in the group could go at their own pace as you can easily overtake those slower than you. You just have to remember to always look over your right shoulder when moving up or down on the tack.
The session finished with a time trial by which point most people were feeling confident on their new bikes and ready to race! And while I won’t be threatening Victoria Pendleton’s crown anytime soon I was amazed at the progress I had made in only an hour.
Who it suits? Anyone who is a keen cyclist and hasn’t yet given track a go. Anyone looking for a buzz from their sport. It’s ideal for the wet winter months.
What do I wear? While many people in my group had serious cycling gear on its not necessary for your first go. I would suggest cropped trousers so they don’t get caught in your pedals or chain and a t-shirt or vest. It’s hard work - you will get hot!
Where can I do it? Manchester veldrome - see www.manchestervelodrome.com for more information. due to the popularity of sessions it is necessary to book in advance.
How much does it cost? £9.30 (concessions £7.20)
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
More cycling on Sportsister:
Sportsister meets Nicole Cooke
Sportsister meets Rebecca Romero
Sportsister meets Victoria Pendleton, World Champion Cyclist.
